West Chester University (WCU) is a proudly public, forward-looking university that seeks an innovative and strategic leader to serve as Associate Vice President (AVP) for University Communications and Marketing (UCM). This is a defining professional opportunity for a communicator who is ready to help elevate our voice, strengthen our brand, and expand the impact of an institution that is deeply committed to student success, community engagement, and academic excellence.

About the Role

The AVP serves as the university's principal media spokesperson and communications strategist, leading a high-performing team responsible for media relations, digital and social media, marketing, branding, publications, photography, and internal communications. The UCM team functions as an in-house agency and partners with departments and units across campus to tell compelling stories and engage key audiences. This role offers the chance to shape how WCU presents itself to the world ?amplifying its mission, strengthening its reputation, and positioning it for increased prominence. It also offers the opportunity to enhance how UCM serves its university clients to enable them to contribute to that work.

What You'll Do

• Serve as the university's chief media strategist and spokesperson, building strong relationships with local, regional, and national media.
• Provide trusted counsel to the president and senior leadership on messaging, strategy, crisis response, and reputational risk.
• Lead the development and execution of integrated, institution-wide communications and marketing strategies that drive visibility, engagement, and impact.
• Partner closely with admissions to align brand strategy and messaging in support of enrollment management.
• Oversee brand identity and ensure consistent, compelling storytelling across all channels.
• Guide digital strategy, including web and social media, to reach and engage a range of audiences.
• Direct the creation of high-quality publications and marketing materials that reflect the university's excellence.
• Use data and analytics to measure success, inform strategy, and drive continuous improvement.
• Foster strong internal and external relationships that support transparency, collaboration, and storytelling.
• Champion accessibility, inclusivity, and best practices in all communications.
• Manage budgets and external partnerships to maximize effectiveness and return on investment.

Who We Seek

We are looking for a strong communicator, strategic thinker, and inspiring leader who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment; someone who brings both vision and execution?able to see the big picture while delivering results. The prime candidate is energized by the opportunity to build, to innovate, and to lead a team that plays a central role in shaping WCU's success.

• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.
• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or related field (master's preferred).
• 8-10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in communications, marketing, or public relations.
• Proven experience as a spokesperson, including media relations and crisis communications.
• Demonstrated success leading integrated marketing and communications strategies and brand management.
• Strong leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Expertise in digital strategy, social media, and how it intersects with overall outreach efforts.
• Sound judgment and the ability to advise senior leaders in complex situations.
• Commitment to inclusive, accessible, and equitable communications practices.

• Experience with institutions of higher education.
• Experience in the greater Philadelphia media market.
• Experience with CRM systems, analytics, and marketing technologies.
• Familiarity with emerging tools, including AI, and their application in communications strategy.

About West Chester University of Pennsylvania

West Chester University (WCU) of Pennsylvania is among the top regional comprehensive public universities in the nation, serving more than 17,500 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels with a national reputation for excellence, value, and student success. Founded in 1871 as an institute for teacher preparation, West Chester offers more than 118 undergraduate and 103 graduate programs in more than 50 fields of study. In addition to the main campus in West Chester, the University offers programs through its graduate center, the Philadelphia campus, and online. Five colleges and two schools comprise the University: Colleges of Arts and Humanities, Business and Public Management, Education and Social Work, Health Sciences, and the Sciences and Mathematics, as well as the School of Music, and the School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies. Located in Chester County (25 miles from downtown Philadelphia) the area combines the best of enjoyable daily living with easy access to the full spectrum of country and city attractions. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.

Connections working at West Chester University of Pennsylvania